Blood exosome markers for early liver cancer detection
Exosomal biomarkers for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
This project looks at tiny particles in blood called exosomes to help find liver cancer earlier in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect blood samples to isolate exosomes — tiny particles released by cells — and look for microRNAs and other markers linked to early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They will compare these exosome signals with current screening tools like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests and liver ultrasound. Lab assays and computer-based analyses will be used to identify patterns that appear in early-stage tumors. The aim is to develop a blood-based test that could notice cancer before symptoms start.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults at increased risk for HCC, such as those with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/diabetes, or other established risk factors.
Not a fit: People without liver disease or HCC risk factors, and those already diagnosed with advanced liver cancer, are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-detection research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let liver cancer be found earlier when curative treatments are more likely to work.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising signals for exosomal microRNAs as HCC biomarkers, but such tests remain experimental and are not yet part of standard care.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goel, Ajay — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Goel, Ajay
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.